MYSTERY RANCH Has You Covered: Hunting Packs – Metcalf Series
Over the years in the backcountry, I’ve spent many hours trekking through rugged terrain with a heavy pack on my back. Hiking up the everyday trail to the steepest of mountainsides, all the way into a sea of deadfall and back over and over again, just to have the opportunity even to see an elk or whatever I’m hunting. If one thing is sure, going up and down and all around those mountains, tripping over yourself, can make you question everything in your being. Everyday amenities and comforts try to call you back to base camp or a hotel slowly. The pains and aches of repeated miles keep adding up until you have nothing left. It takes a lot out of you. It takes a special drive to keep going. I don’t always have that drive, and I know I won’t. So, the best way I know how to stay on the mountain as long as possible is to ensure you have good gear. There is nothing wrong with being as comfortable as possible. And aside from having comfortable boots, a good pack is a must. And if you’re searching for your first or next pack and don’t know which one to buy – MYSTERY RANCH may have made that so much easier for you.
I met Alex Rich, Product Design, and the rest of the MYSTERY RANCH team at the ATA this year – they are a great group. They showed me several of their new releases, which I’ll cover in other articles (including the Treehouse and the Anchor Point Bow Case, which was just released). But when I mentioned backcountry hunting – they immediately showed me the new Metcalf series with the ULTRA LIGHT MT™ frame and the Gravelly pack. Both had my attention immediately. To give a little context, I have the previous version of Metcalf, and after years of use, it still was holding up strong. However, I thought some things could make it a better pack. So, I wanted to test the new system.
I tested the Metcalf 75 (there is also the 50 and the 100). A 75-liter pack, weighing a little over five lbs. The perfect pack if you only need a day or two but can also store enough gear to keep you out on the trail for a good 4-5 days. I can easily fit my sleep system, clothes, food, water, spotting scope, med kit, survival gear, and harvest kit without any issues. But that’s not what makes this pack unique. Or at least not from my point of view. In my opinion, what makes this pack special is the latest features/attributes and the ability to be highly modular when needed. Let’s break down some of the features.
ULTRA LIGHT MT Frame
There were two things I thought about when I put this pack on – this thing is extremely comfortable, and it feels lighter. Well, there’s a reason for that. MYSTERY RANCH came out with the new ULTRA LIGHT MT Frame as the backbone of the Metcalf pack systems (for both men and women). This frame is the stripped-down/lightest of their frames but can still carry a heavy load. I’ve put about 100 lbs. in my pack without an issue, but according to their site, it can carry up to 150 lbs. comfortably. The hip belt also has two MOLLE straps to attach additional gear.
Should Straps and Frame Material
I don’t know the material MYSTERY RANCH used in their latest packs, but the shoulder straps, back padding, and hip belt feel like a memory foam pillow on steroids. I don’t know how else to say it. It’s smooth, very comfortable, and has an excellent compressed fit. You have to try it to understand what I’m talking about. I noticed that this new material helped me know when my load balancers were out of whack. It could just be me…I don’t know.
Roll-up Closure
Instead of the old drawstring, the latest release has a roll-up closure for your main pack. I haven’t had the chance to test how well this does in the rain, but I am more confident in protecting my gear from the elements. You may think—what’s the big deal? Now, the lid can be removed, which makes a weather-tight closure system vital when the top of the pack is exposed. Essentially, this adds even more points to the modularity column.
Side Zipper
They have also added a one-side zipper to access the main pack, which is another really cool addition that eliminates some of the cons from the previous pack system (in my opinion). In the old system, I would have to dig everything out to get to the bottom of the pack, which is a big plus for my setup.
Ladder System
This is brilliant. The load lifter now has a ladder system that allows you to modify or adapt the load according to your height or preference. You now have options.
Side note: To ensure your pack is fitted correctly, check out the fitting guide on their site. A pack that is not fitted correctly can cause you many issues.
Modularity and Compartmentalization
I left my old Metcalf behind last year and ran with another brand’s pack during my elk hunt because I wanted more pockets on the pack and smaller pockets to organize my gear. This other brand had so many different little compartments that I could organize my stuff in, and I thought it would be cool. Well…. that pack’s load strap broke on me during my hunt, and it turns out I forgot where half the stuff was tucked away, and it took me way longer to find my gear. MYSTERY RANCH added several features and additional gear to give this pack more storage options and increase the modularity. The orange tabs throughout the pack allow you to attach several additional storages, such as the Gravelly or the Stick-it. You can remove the top lid and use the frame across other MT-compatible packs.
Things to consider
- So that you know, the latest ULTRA LIGHT MT™ frame will not be compatible with some of your existing MYSTERY RANCH packs.
- The Metcalf may be a little out of your budget. The Metcalf 75 is priced at $550. However, I’ve had less dependable packs that cost $200 more… If you want additional compartmentalization, you’ll need to purchase extra gear, which costs a little more.
- If you need a lot of little pockets in the leading pack (without attachments), know this pack does not have those. However, you can make this pack however you want it to be.
Gravelly 18
Another favorite of mine is the Gravelly 18. What I like most about this day pack is that it can attach to the front of your pack, to the frame, or be carried using the shoulder straps, allowing you to carry an additional 18 liters. I plan on using this as additional storage but keeping all my day hike essentials in so I can drop my heavy pack as needed.
The Gravelly can also be attached directly to the frame for a fast and light hunt. Drop your main pack at spike camp, strap up the Gravelly, and get after it. And in case you were wondering – yes…it can also be used as a meat hauler. Once you get an animal down, you can set it in Overload mode to take your first trip back to camp with meat.
You’ll notice that the shoulder straps do not have a lot of material for padding. This could be because the straps are stowable and help secure the pack tighter to the frame or front of the pack. If you carry the Gravelly like a backpack and pack it too heavy, the shoulder straps can work into your shoulders. Just be mindful of that and use it for its intended purpose.
Another side tip: When traveling, I checked my Metcalf 75 and used my Gravelly as a carry-on. Once I landed, it took a minute or so to connect it back to the front of the pack, and walk out of the airport.
Back Strap Hydro
Another attachment for the ULTRA LIGHT MT Frame and the Guide Light MT Metcalf, with a simple modification (read on their site). This is the one item I hope we all get to use. It’s the perfect setup for the long meat haul back. This attaches easily to the frame and gives you some additional compartments for smaller items like headlamps, kill kit, etc., and a water reservoir so you stay hydrated. MYSTERY RANCH recommends using their 3.1L Hydrapak.
If you’re looking for a training setup in the offseason – look no further. You can use the Back Strap Hydro to load up your pack with sandbags, have water for your workout, and make sure you’re ready for the backcountry.
Check it all out here: Back Strap Hydro.
Conclusion
Once again…I can’t get over how comfortable this pack is. And the new modular setup will optimize how I pack and haul my pack. I’m excited to take it to Colorado this year for the ultimate test. I’ll be doing a post-season article on some of the gear I use this year, and the Metcalf and Gravelly will be on that list, so keep an eye out. But the season is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for a pack – try on the Metcalf. It might just be the system that keeps you on the mountain longer.
Scott Neal is a passionate bow hunter with 8 years of experience pursuing whitetail on public land and is currently preparing for a second season of DIY elk hunting. For Scott, hunting is a way of life that offers him the thrill of the chase and satisfaction of a successful hunt. Over the years, Scott has honed in on his credentials of bow hunting and has fostered a deep respect for animals in their environment. He enjoys the challenge of using his skills against the wily whitetail and elusive elk because it requires a constant pursuit of technique improvements. Scott doesn’t consider himself an expert. He is instead a lifelong student and is always eager to learn more about optimal hunting strategies and wild game movement.